Bye Felicia

[ZombieCat]

I’m at the end of a short camping trip; I’ve noticed during both my planning and travel that the “#getoutdoor” fad has significantly slowed down. Maybe it’s no longer the cool kids thing, maybe the economy, who knows? I reckon it’s just more space and solitude for me.
And for the record, @grubworm I’ve always enjoyed your sense of humor!

 

[Smileyshaun]

I’m so old I remember when “overlanding “ was just grabbing a tent and a sleeping bag a case of beer and a package of hotdogs and going in the woods for a few days .

 

[grubworm]

a case of beer and a package of hotdogs

the good old days...you could get a 30 pack of Schaeffer beer and a pack of the red dyed Frank's both for under $10.

 

[lolzhax]

lol some people just don't like conversation if it consists of countering perspectives. It's not a personal attack, it's just offering another perspective.

 

[grubworm]

some people just don't like conversation if it consists of countering perspectives.

ha! yeah, that used to be called being "argumentative and annoying" back in the day...

 

[lolzhax]

ha! yeah, that used to be called being "argumentative and annoying" back in the day...

View attachment 292226

Life in a bubble sounds boring to me, and yeah I think I agree with the sentiment that logic doesn't exist anymore since it's been aged out. The internet has outgrown the "yep" circles.




Diversity of opinions is far more valuable in the quest for knowledge, understanding, and evolution.

 

[Outdoordog]

I also dislike that during covid, so many people started going out camping in areas they shouldn't, making new paths where they shouldn't, leaving trash, and having trails or sections closed off as a result. Also a lot of good roads got washboarded to hell.
If they followed the rules like the rest of us, I wouldn't complain.

Near my place, there's a gorgeous trail, but been finding a ton of trash, and firepits in the middle of the trail. Made a little gatekeeper and that seemed to keep the compact cars out. Seen some thug type kids a few times there, drinking and smoking weed, leaving a lot of garbage, they were in a Honda and barely made it.

 

[MiamiC70]

Oh boy, now even the YouTubers are turning on Overlanding.

 

[The Deputy]

Guess, l''ve been pretty fortunate...never really had a bad experience. Actually, most of the 'real deal' folks l've encountered were very friendly, interesting and shared great stories. There are only a few u-tubers l watch, mainly because they travel solo and travel full-time and enjoy their like-minded content...doing it minimalisticly.

If you're spending more on gear than fuel...you're doing it wrong.

 

[Outdoordog]

Guess, l''ve been pretty fortunate...never really had a bad experience. Actually, most of the 'real deal' folks l've encountered were very friendly, interesting and shared great stories. There are only a few u-tubers l watch, mainly because they travel solo and travel full-time and enjoy their like-minded content...doing it minimalisticly.

If you're spending more on gear than fuel...you're doing it wrong.

Depends on the price of fuel...

I'm paying 4.79 on a gallon of diesel. 19-22 mpg, it adds up quick! To get to a location about 2 hours away, I'm spending about $70 for the trip on fuel alone. My last big trip, was about a 8 hour drive, 4 days. I spent about $700 on fuel getting there and back.
Most of my overland gear is basic non fancy camping stuff. Only thing full time on my rig is a roofrack.

 

[danwyandt]

I’m so old I remember when “overlanding “ was just grabbing a tent and a sleeping bag a case of beer and a package of hotdogs and going in the woods for a few days .

We called it car camping back in the 70's ...

 

[danwyandt]

Depends on the price of fuel...

I'm paying 4.79 on a gallon of diesel. 19-22 mpg, it adds up quick! To get to a location about 2 hours away, I'm spending about $70 for the trip on fuel alone. My last big trip, was about a 8 hour drive, 4 days. I spent about $700 on fuel getting there and back.
Most of my overland gear is basic non fancy camping stuff. Only thing full time on my rig is a roofrack.

I feel your pain. 10 mpg at 3.79/gal - hard to spend that much on gear on a regular basis. Last long run (11 days) through Ky and the UP was a $1,300 fuel bill.

 

[grubworm]

gas is high and a can of SPAM is now over $4 at target...THEY are hitting "overlanding" where it hurts most...

I can only slice it so thin

 

[The Deputy]

To me...meeting local folks along the way, or especially other overlanders, and experiencing thier culture or their adventures is a big part of overlanding.

Talked with two couples from Germany (both of which had logged 15K since shipping their vehicle state side), a dude from Australia (who had traveled Africa, Europe, South America and was traveling through North America at the time), couple from VA that were on their way to Prudhoe Bay (share insight about the Dalton Hwy with them), and met countless others. And every conversation was a moment gained.

To me...overlanding is about breaking out of the normal, doing what few do, being uncomfortable, challenging yourself, rewarded when things go right and punished when they don't. But, learning from each experience.

Sure, solitude is a big part of it too. And embracing nature and all the outdoors offers. But, it's a complete package. Stopping at the little remote Alaskan gas station(s), visiting with the lone owner behind the counter, who has owned and operated it for the past few decades, not some clerk that knows nothing about nothing at a huge truck stop.

Their story is far more interesting...than most you'll encounter.





Travel as much as possible.